Laser Generator Lens With Segmented Optical Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser line generators are limited in their ability to efficiently generate multi-line or curved patterns using a single or two lens optical elements, which restricts their application in alignment, scanning, and machine vision tasks.
Innovation Solution
A laser generator system comprising a light source with a single or two optical lens elements, where the first lens element has positive optical power in one cross-section and negative optical power in another, or a combination of different optical power sections, enabling beam collimation, line generation, and multiplication to create multi-line or curved patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single optical lens element is used to generate laser lines, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to generate multi-line or curved patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lens element is divided into multiple optical power sections along the beam path. The first section has positive optical power for beam collimation, the second section has negative optical power for line generation, and the third section has positive optical power for beam multiplication. This segmentation allows a single element to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical lens element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: beam collimation, line generation, and beam multiplication. By integrating these functions into one element, the device achieves versatility in pattern generation (straight lines, curved lines, multi-line patterns) without requiring multiple separate optical components.
2Device complexity
If conventional laser line generators are used, then the device structure is simple, but the manufacturing precision and control over beam shaping is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the optical lens element are designed with different optical powers tailored to specific local functions. The first section has positive optical power optimized for collimation, the second section has negative optical power optimized for line generation with precise curvature control, and the third section has positive optical power optimized for beam multiplication. This local optimization enables precise control over beam shaping while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively generates continuous or discrete multi-line patterns, including curved lines, enhancing its application in alignment, scanning, and machine vision tasks by optimizing the optical power distribution across different cross-sections of the lens elements.
Implementation Method 1
a single optical lens with a first and second optical surfaces wherein the first and second optical surfaces are perpendicular to the beam direction. According to one embodiment the first surface has a positive optical power in a first cross section of the beam and the second surface has at least negative optical power in the second cross section of the beam
Implementation Method 2
the multiplication function may be obtained by a diffractive surface
Data Source
AI summary
A light generator system may include: a light source providing a diverging light beam, a first lens element having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the first lens element having a positive optical power in a first cross section, a second lens element having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the second lens element having a negative optical power in a second cross section different from the first cross section, and a multiplication function on at least one of the second surface of the first lens element, the first surface of the second lens elements, or the second surface of the second lens element, in the first cross section.